Examining the nice-to-have and must-have digital and sustainable-oriented capabilities for sustainable end-of-life management in manufacturing firms

Purpose Manufacturing firms are increasingly under pressure to manage products responsibly at their end-of-life stage, which requires stronger digital-, intelligence- and sustainability-oriented capabilities. However, limited empirical research clarifies which of these capabilities are essential (must-have) and which enhance performance only at higher levels (nice-to-have). Drawing on dynamic capability theory, knowledge-based view and stimulus–organism–response theory, this study examined how digital transformation (DT) and supply chain intelligence (SCI) enhance sustainable end-of-life management (SELM). The study also examined the mediating role of SCI and the moderating role of sustainable product design and development (SPDD). Design/methodology/approach The proposed model was validated using survey data from 309 managers purposively selected from manufacturing firms in Ghana. Structural equation modelling (SEM) using partial least squares software and necessary condition analysis (NCA) were employed to analyze the data. Findings The findings demonstrate that DT directly enhances SELM and indirectly influences it through the integration of SCI. It was further found that the effectiveness of intelligence integration is strengthened by SPDD, particularly for customer and supplier intelligence. NCA results further reveal that DT and SPD represent foundational necessary conditions for SELM, whereas SCI integration remains desirable until higher SELM levels are achieved. Originality/value This study is among the first to offer empirical evidence (via SEM and NCA) of the nice-to-have and must-have antecedents of SELM among manufacturing firms in Ghana. The findings offer practical guidance by highlighting that firms seeking high levels of SELM must invest deeply in DT, SCI capabilities and SPD, particularly DT and SPD at advanced performance levels.